Arnel and Cecilia

RHASC Trip 2026

Romania – Hungary – Austria – Slovakia – Czechia (RHASC)

Overview

Itinerary

Notes

Bucharest

Budapest

Vienna

Bratislava

Prague

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Overview

Schedule

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Flights

Tue, Apr 21

  • Leave home around 7:45am.
  • Denver departs 10:15am (9B, 9C aisle – second row from aircraft door) -> Arrives 3:46pm – Flight UA2087 Boeing 757-300 – 3h 31m
  • Layover time 1h 39m, so there might be time for lounge visit.
  • Washington DC airport lounges:
    • Air France – KLM Lounge – Concourse A
    • The Etihad Lounge – Concourse A
    • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Concourse A
    • Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington – Concourse B
  • Washington departs 5:25pm (20E, 20F – first row of Premium section, middle group right aisle)-> Arrives 7:45am the next day – Flight UA108 Boeing 787-8 – 8h 20m
  • Munich airport – Airport Lounge Europe in Terminal 1. It’s located at Module D.
  • Munich departs 9:00am (14E, 14F window) -> Arrives 12:00pm – Flight UA9218/LH1650 Airbus A320 (Sharklets) – 2h
  • Bucharest arrival 12:00pm
  • United GQRZ3B
  • Lufthansa BKYST9
  • 4 nights / 3-1/2 days

Sun, Apr 26

  • No eligible Priority Pass lounge in Bucharest.
  • Bucharest departs 5:00pm (6D, 6F window) – Tarom Airlines Flight RO237 Embraer E175 – 1h 50m
  • Plane only has 4 seats per row, rows 3-18. 64 seats.
  • Budapest arrival 5:50pm
  • 4 nights / 3-1/2 days
  • Booking.com CCSGPI
  • AT E-Ticket: 2819448612468
  • CT E-ticket: 2819448612472

Thu, Apr 30

  • Budapest airport – Platinum Lounge, Terminal 2A, opposite Gate A8.
  • Budapest airport – Skycourt Lounge, Terminal 2 Skycourt, between Terminals 2A and 2B. Mezzanine level in the Food Court area.
  • Budapest departs 11:15am (12D, 12F window – 7th row from aircraft door) -> Arrives 12:00pm – Flight OS632 Embraer E195 – 45m
  • Vienna arrival 12:00pm
  • 4 nights / 3-1/2 days
  • United GXEW7F
  • Austrian Airlines BMDNNM

Mon, May 4

  • Vienna airport – Vienna Lounge – Terminal 1, 2nd level, Gates C and D.
  • Vienna airport – SKY Lounge – Terminal 3, 2nd level, Gates F and G.
  • Vienna departs 9:45am (15D, 15F window – 8th row from aircraft door) -> Arrives 10:35am – Flight OS643 Embraer E195 – 50m
  • Prague arrival 10:35am
  • 4 nights / 3-1/2 days
  • United GYR34F
  • Austrian Airlines BMMFVY

Fri, May 8

  • Prague airport – Erste Premier Lounge – Terminal 2, Level 3.
  • Prague departs 9:55am (5C, 5D window – 1st row from aircraft door – aircraft only has 4 seats per row) -> Arrives 11:05am – Flight LO524 Embraer E175 – 1h 10m
  • Warsaw airport – Preludium Lounge – Terminal A – Level 0. Near gates 34-35.
  • Warsaw departs 2:50pm (4C, 4D window – 1st row from aircraft door – aircraft only has 4 seats per row) -> Arrives 5:45pm – 1h 55m
  • Bucharest arrival 5:45pm
  • 1 night
  • United G2SQCR
  • LOT Polish Airlines BN8SMF

Sat, May 9

  • No eligible Priority Pass lounge in Bucharest.
  • Bucharest departs 12:45pm (10B, 10C aisle – 6th row from aircraft door) -> Arrives 1:55pm – Flight UA9219/ LH6151 Airbus A320 (Sharklets)- 2h 10m
  • Munich airport – Airport Lounge Europe in Terminal 1. It’s located at Module D.
  • Munich departs 4:10pm (22J, 22L window – 3rd row of Premium section) -> Arrives 6:50pm same day – Flight UA761 Boeing 787-9 – 10h 40m
  • Denver arrival 6:50pm
  • United GQRZ3B
  • Lufthansa BKYST9
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Flight Costs

Estimate $8,000

  • $6,290.06 roundtrip to Bucharest
  • $380.70 for Bucharest to Budapest
  • $86.80 + $14.16 + 12,000 miles for Budapest to Vienna + $41.58
  • $148.60 + $14.16 + 12,000 miles for Vienna to Prague + $41.58
  • $117.80 + $14.16 + 25,000 miles for Prague to Bucharest

Total: $6,885.66

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Hotels

Estimate 17 nights x $350 = $5,950

  • Bucharest: Vila Paris Boutique Hotel
    • 4 nights / 3-1/2 days – Apr 22-26 – $586
  • Budapest: Novotel Budapest Danube
    • 4 nights / 3-1/2 days – Apr 26-Apr 30 – $1,119
  • Vienna: Singerstrausse 21-25 Aparthotel
    • 4 nights / 3-1/2 days – Apr 30-May 4 – $1,412
  • Prague: High Heaven
    • 4 nights / 3-1/2 days – May 4-8 – $580
  • Bucharest: Hilton Garden Inn
    • 1 night – May 8-9 – $223

Total: $3,920

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Rides

Estimate 8 rides x $40 = $320

  • Bucharest airport to hotel – 1:00 pm pickup Apr 22 – $28.88
  • Bucharest hotel to airport – 2:30 pm pickup Apr 26. -$27.50
  • Budapest airport to hotel – 6:50 pm pickup Apr 26 – $35.44
  • Budapest hotel to airport – 8:30 am pickup Apr 30 – $28.27
  • Vienna airport to hotel – 12:00 pm pickup Apr 30 – $48.55
  • Vienna hotel to airport – 7:30 am pickup May 4 – $47.33
  • Prague airport to hotel – 11:35 am pickup May 4 – $32.39
  • Prague hotel to airport  – 7:15 am pickup May 8 – $29.07

Total: $277.43

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Currency

Exchange Rate:

  • Romania – Leu (plural Lei) – code RON = About $0.25 US
  • Hungary – Forint – code HUF = About $0.00333 US
  • Austria and Slovakia – Euro – code EUR = About $1.25 US
  • Czechia – Koruna – code CZK = About $0.05 US

$1 USD:

  • Romania – About 4 RON or L
  • Hungary – About 300 HUF or Ft
  • Austria and Slovakia – About 0,80 EUR or €
  • Czechia – About 20 CZK or Kč
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Words and Phrases

Romanian

  • Hello – bună
  • Goodbye – la revedere
  • Please – te rog
  • Thank you – mulțumesc
  • You’re welcome – cu plăcere
  • Cheers – noroc
  • Sorry – scuze
  • Excuse me – scuzați-mă

Hungarian

  • Hello – szia
  • Goodbye – viszlát
  • Please – kérlek
  • Thank you – köszönöm
  • You’re welcome – szívesen
  • Cheers – egészségedre
  • Sorry – bocsánat
  • Excuse me – elnézést

German

  • Hello – hallo
  • Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen
  • Please – bitte
  • Thank you – danke
  • You’re welcome – gern geschehen.
  • Cheers – prost!
  • Sorry –

Slovak

  • Hello – dobrý den or ahoy
  • Goodbye – cau – caio
  • Please – prosím
  • Thank you – Ďakujem – DAH-koo-yem
  • You’re welcome – nemáš za čo – neh-MOSH zah cho
  • Cheers – vďaka!
  • Sorry – pardon
  • Excuse me – prepac – preh-POTCH

Czech

  • Hello – dobrý den
  • Goodbye – na shledanou – NAH-shle-DAH-noh
  • Please – prosím
  • Thank you – děkuji – deh-KWEE
  • You’re welcome – neni zac – NEH-ni zutch
  • Cheers – na zdraví!
  • Sorry – pardon
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From Home

Tue, Apr 21

  • Leave home around 7:45am.
  • Flight is at 10:15am.
  • Arrives in Washington, DC at 3:46pm. Departs 5:25pm.
  • Washington DC airport – Eligible Priority Pass lounge in Concourse C and D is just airport takeout
  • Arrives in Munich at 7:45am the next day. Departs 9:00am. That’s a tight connection.
  • Munich airport – Airport Lounge Europe in Terminal 1. It’s located at Module D.
  • Arrives in Bucharest 12:00pm on Wednesday.
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Bucharest, Romania

Wed, Apr 22 – Sun, Apr 26

Bulevardul Unirii

Vila Paris Boutique Hotel (Reservation Info)

  • Strada Paris 58, Sector 1, 011815
  • Junior Suite 344 sq st
  • No elevator. Reserved a lower floor room. Access to the rooms is only possible via stairs and rooms are located on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor.
  • Full refund if we cancel before 2:00 PM on April 22.
  • They encourage self check-in, because the hotel is equipped with intelligent locks. For security purposes, a unique code is given to guests. The procedure with details and code will be send via SMS and private messages on Booking.com.

Wed, Apr 22

  • Flight gets in at 12:00pm.
  • Car pickup 1:00pm.
    • Booking.com 440780960
    • $28.88
    • Provided by: World Transfer (acting as agent for local supplier)
    • Ride ID: 574476671
    • Proceed to the arrivals hall at the airport and the “Five to go Shop”. Driver will be waiting there with a sign displaying our name.
    • Driver: Silviu Radoi
  • It’s under 30 minutes drive to hotel. Check-in is 2:00pm.
  • North and west of hotel:
    • Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph) – honor WWI victory
    • King Mihai I Park
    • Charles de Gaulle Plaza
  • Between hotel and Old Town:
    • Victory Square
    • Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției) & Memorial of Rebirth & Kretzulescu Church – Where old government fell in 1989
    • Umbrella Alley
    • Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român) – concert hall
    • Cismigiu Gardens and City Park
    • Kala Victoria – street with shops 
    • Victoria Palace & Victory Square
  • Maybe get dinner and then back to hotel early since we have an early start tomorrow. Get up around 4:30am to get picked up around 5:20am.
  • Get water for hotel room, snacks and food to take with us on day trip tomorrow. Bring water bottles with us tomorrow.

Thu, Apr 23

  • Breakfast included at hotel, but we won’t be able to take advantage of it, since we’re leaving the hotel so early.
  • Day trip:
    • 5:20am-5:30am – Take pre-scheduled Bolt from hotel to București Nord (Gara de Nord) to catch 6:09 am train – $5.75
    • 5:40am-6:00am – We should have a few minutes to grab coffee and pastries at “Coffee 2 Go Gara de Nord” that’s inside the train station. They open at 5:00am.
    • 6:09am-7:41am – Train tickets are for 6:09am train from București Nord to Sinaia.
      • Coach 1 Places 92, 98
      • $25.78
    • 7:41am – Arrive in Sinaia Railway Station. Grab something to eat or drink at one of these places:
      • Royal Cafe right in train station. Opens at 8:00am.
      • Or, Ramayana Cafe, Bulevardul Carol I 19, Sinaia 106100, Romania – 6 min walk. It’s located inside / attached to the Rina Cerbul Hotel, right on the main boulevard
      • While waiting for places to open, schedule Bolt for about 8:30-8:40 pickup from wherever we end up.
    • 8:40am-8:45am – Order Bolt to Peleș Castle. About $5–8.
    • 9:15am-11:00am – Tour Peleș Castle. $56.69. English-speaking guide or go without a guide. That wasn’t the case. I sent message to Headout: The ticket booking and purchasing process was fine. Using the ticket was fine. We thought that there was an option to follow an English-speaking guide or walk through the castle on our own. There was no English-speking guide available. So, that should be more clear in the description.
    • 11:30am-12:30pm – Take Daytrip private car from Peleș Castle to Bran Castle. 31 miles. $133.
      • I canceled the Bran Castle to Brasov leg, so they refunded us. Total cost was just $90.
      • We got done at the castle way early, so I called driver Cristian. He agreed to come early. We started at 10:45 instead o 11:30.
      • But, instead of a 1:03 trip, it was like 1:45-1:50 trip, because Cristian drove all he way to Brasov, because he missed a turn and kept going on the wrong route.
    • 12:30pm-12:50pm – We should get to Bran Castle with time to grab a quick sandwich, but not a sit-down lunch.
      • There are several restaurants and cafes within 5 min walk of the castle:
        • Bran Coffee – Cofee and pastries
        • 5 To Go – Coffee shop, grab-and-go style
        • La Trăsura cu Bucate – Romanian street-food style dishes
      • There are a couple of options inside the castle grounds, also.
      • We toured the market area just outside the castle entrance.
    • 1:00pm-1:20pm – Tour Bran Castle. $61.10. Audio self-guided tour.
      • That wasn’t the case. I thought that the audio guide would walk us through station-by-station. That wasn’t the case. I sent message to Headout: The ticket booking and purchasing process was fine. Using the ticket was fine. The audio guide only provide information about the exterior and interior of the castle, but didn’t have a station-by-station narrative to follow while walking from one area to the next. So, that should be more clear in the description.
    • 4:00pm-7:00pm – Crina came and picked us up at Bran Castle and drove to Brasov. She showed us around. Went to a restaurant for drinks and then she drove us to Stana Turistica for dinner. It was great.
    • 7:15pm-7:45pm – Crina drove us to Brașov Railway Station (Gara Brașov).
    • 8:00pm-10:45pm – Train tickets are for 8:00pm train from Brașov to București Nord. Don’t miss it. It’s the last one of the day.
      • Coach 2 Places 54, 56
      • $31.38
      • We got on the wrong train and had to get off at Predeal. From there, we had to buy tickets to get to Bucharest. Their phone machines didn’t accept any of our credit cards. We had to pay in cash. But, we didn’t have 125 RON. We only had 25. They agreed to take Euros. It wa 25 Euros.
    • 11:40pm – Get into București Nord (Gara de Nord).
      • Took Bolt from București Nord (Gara de Nord) to hotel.
    • 12:05am – Final arrival back at hotel. Didn’t get to bed until 1:00am.

Fri, Apr 24

  • Got up at 1:00pm. We were tired. Had to alter our entire plan for today.
  • We changed our plans with Paul until Saturday.
  • We walked to Packet Pickup.
  • 3pm – Packet Pickup at King Mihai I Park – Herastrau Park – Charles de Gaulle Plaza Entrance with Constantin Prezan Blvd.
  • Charles de Gaulle Plaza
  • King Mihai I Park
  • Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph) – honor WWI victory
  • Took Bolt to Parliament Buidling
  • Palace of Parliament (Casa Poporului)
  • Bulevardul Unirii – Bucharest fountains around traffic circle – disappointing, no water, fence around it. Been under restoration of another issue.
  • Stavropoleos Church (Stavropoleos Monastery)
  • Walked around to see other sights.
  • Grand Café Van Gogh – drinks
  • Hanu’ Lui Manuc Restaurant – dinner
  • Caru cu Bere – beer hall and restaurant with wood walls. Too crowded and noisy. No room at bar area.
  • CEC Palace (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni) – beautifully lit at night
  • Macca – Villacrosse Passage – French influenced, architectural oddity, restaurants and bars. Had drinks at Trio.
  • Got Bolt from there to hotel.

Sat, Apr 25

  • Breakfast included at hotel. It was actually a nice breakfast. Omelet, cold cuts, salmon, croissant, orange juice, coffee.
  • Old Town District – northern part:
    • Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român) – concert hall
    • The Royal Palace of Bucharest
    • National Museum of Art
    • Equestrian Statue of Carol I
    • Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției)
    • Memorial of Rebirth – Where old government fell in 1989
    • Kretzulescu Church
    • Umbrella Alley
  • Met Paul for early lunch around 10:50am at Caru cu Bere. Had Mici, red bean soup in a bread bowl, coke, wine, water. It was a nice meal.
  • After lunch, we walked north on Calea Victoriei up to Victory Square. We parted ways about 1:15pm. It was great to learn more about Paul.
  • Went to Yuki Japanese Home Dining – Edamame, Curry Udon, Katsu Curry Rice, Gyoza, Asahi, Senju – 390.50 lei – $90.81

Sun , Apr 26

  • CT to leave hotel for race around 8:00am.
  • Race start 8:45am.
  • Expected finish around 11:30am.
  • It’s 0.9 miles from race finish back to hotel.
  • Checkout time is 12:00pm. We got extension to 1:00pm.
  • Car pickup is 2:30pm.
    • Booking.com 440780960
    • $27.50
    • Provided by: World Transfer (acting as agent for local supplier)
    • Ride ID: 529911432
  • Drive from hotel to airport is under 30 minutes.
  • No eligible Priority Pass lounge in Bucharest.
  • Flight departs 5:00pm.
  • Arrives in Budapest 5:50pm.
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Budapest, Hungary

Sun, Apr 26 – Thu, Apr 30

Hungarian Parliament Building

Novotel Budapest Danube (Reservation Info)

Sun, Apr 26

  • Flight gets in at 5:50pm.
  • Car pickup is 6:50pm.
    • Booking.com 780331793
    • $35.44
    • Provided by: Hungary Private Transfers (acting as agent for local supplier)
    • Ride ID: 139336675
    • Head to the meeting point for your terminal:
      • Terminal A: T1
      • Terminal B: T11
    • Pickup point is in the green Terminal Parking Zone that is 2 minutes walk from the terminal exit.
    • After crossing the Taxi/Bus Lanes, you will find the stairs down to the GREEN Parking Zone.
  • Check-in is at 3:00pm.
  • By the time we get to the hotel, it’s around 7:30pm.
  • No time for sightseeing.
  • Try to find dinner nearby.
  • Get water for hotel room.

Mon, Apr 27

  • We’re not using big Bus today, since we’re on Buda side and there’s lots to see within walking distance.
  • Buda side where our hotel is:
    • Take Bolt up to Holy Trinity Statue
    • Fisherman’s Bastion
    • Mathias Church (The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle)
    • Hospital in the Rock – Did the tour.
    • Labyrinth of Buda Castle
    • 10:00am-7:00pm – House of Houdini – $30.38 – No tickets. Just mention your name at the desk.
    • Walk south to Buda Castle area.
    • Turul statue
    • Buda Castle
    • Budapest History Museum – Castle Museum
    • Oroszlános udvar
    • Go around the east side to get to Buda Castle Pointview
    • National Széchényi Library
    • Stöckl Stairs
    • Royal Riding Hall
    • Castle observation deck – Buda side
    • Kolduskapu
    • Remains of the medieval Sigismund Church
    • Archduke Joseph’s Palace
    • Keep walking north to De la Motte – Beer-palace
  • Pest side, across the river from our hotel:
    • Hungarian Parliament Building – just walk around outside or take a tour of the inside
    • St. Stephen’s Basilica
    • Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial – WWII Jewish memorial
    • Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) – walk across it at day and at night
    • Liberty Square
    • Walk along the Danube River Promenade
  • 8:30pm – Evening river cruise

Tue, Apr 28

  • Big Bus Budapest 48 hour Hop-on, Hop-off Tour
    • Booking.com BK966803574529755
    • Big Bus WPWMVE17
    • $91.71
    • Includes 1-hour walking tour from St Stephen’s Basilica. Stop #1.
    • Includes “30% off a Danube river cruise”, but I went with a separate evening cruise.
    • Bus stop 18 on Red Line is two blocks south of hotel on Bem rakpart.
  • Get off at stop #21 for:
    • Parliament Building
    • Shoes on the Danube River
    • Ronald Reagan Statue
    • Soviet Memorial
    • Freedom Square
  • Switch to Green Line and get off at Green Line Stop #23 (Fovam Square).
    • See or walk across Liberty Bridge
    • Váci Street (Váci utca)
    • Hungarian National Museum
    • Central Market Hall
  • Green Line Stop #25:
    • Dohany Street Synagogue – Near Red Line Stop #4.
    • Heroes’ Temple
    • Caravan Street food court
    • Ruin Bars
    • Walk around the Jewish Quarter.
  • Get back on bus at Green Line Stop #25.
  • Take bus back to Stop #1
  • Switch to Red Line Stop #1.
  • Stop #2 – Chain Bridge
  • Stop #3 – Elizabeth Square
  • Stop #4 – Dohany Street Synagogue – largest synagogue in Europe.
    • And Heroes’ Temple, Caravan Street food court, Ruin Bars
  • Stop #6 – See Andrássy út with mansions and embassies along the way.
  • Stop #7 – See Hungarian State Opera
  • Stop #8 – See Liszt Ferenc Square, Statue of Franz Liszt, House of Terror Museum

Wed, Apr 29

  • Take Big Bus Budapest, either at 10:36 from stop #18 or Bolt over to stop #1 at 9-ish.
  • Stop #1 – St. Stephen’s Basilica and Panorama Lookout – Hungary‘s first king, Stephen
    • Take advantage of one-hour walking tour as part of our Big Bus ticket.
  • Stop #9 – Vajdahunyad Castle
    • And Heroes’ Square, City Park (Városliget)
  • Stop #11 – New York Café, for the beautiful insides, but it’s expensive
  • Stop #13 – See or walk across Liberty Bridge
  • Stop #14 – Citadel
  • South of Red Line route:
    • Hungarian National Museum
    • Grand Market Hall
  • Between Chain Bridge and Elizabeth Bridge:
    • Vígvarjú Étterem restaurant (Blind Crow) at Vigadó Square
    • Little Princess Statue at Vigdo Square

Thu, Apr 30

  • Flight is at 11:15am.
  • Car pickup is 8:30am.
    • Booking.com 780331793
    • $28.27
    • Provided by: Hungary Private Transfers (acting as agent for local supplier)
    • Ride ID: 183913810
  • Budapest airport – Platinum Lounge, Terminal 2A, opposite Gate A8. – We got to use Priority Pass on this lounge.
  • Budapest airport – Skycourt Lounge, Terminal 2 Skycourt, between Terminals 2A and 2B. Mezzanine level in the Food Court area.
  • Arrive in Vienna at 12:00pm. It was the shortest walk from getting off the bus to baggage claim. Easy to get out of secured area also. Met our driver.
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Vienna, Austria

Thu, Apr 30 – Mon, May 4

Schönbrunn Palace

Singerstrausse 21-25 Aparthotel (Reservation Info)

Thu, Apr 30

  • Flight gets in at 12:00pm.
  • Car pickup is 1:00pm.
    • Booking.com 302648720
    • $48.69
    • Provided by: Sixt Ride
    • Ride ID: 257651433
    • Make our way to Arrivals. Look out for your driver. They’ll be holding a sign with our name on it.
    • Driver Wolfgang
  • Check-in is at 2:00pm. We got here about 1:00pm. So, we checked our bags and headed out for lunch and then, St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
  • Walk around near hotel
    • St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) – 3 blocks from hotel
    • Peterskirche – St Peter’s Church
  • Dinner near hotel
    • Figlmüller – Restaurant Bäckerstraße – Schnitzel
    • Restaurant Vienne – Suggested by Ginny – 0.4 mi north of hotel.
    • Griechenbeisl
  • Get water for hotel room.

Fri, May 1

  • Walk from hotel to Sisi Museum and Hofburg Palace. Find breakfast and coffee along the way. It’s 0.6 miles.
  • 10:00am – Tickets for Sisi Museum and Hofburg Palace, but I’m pretty sure that if we get there early, they’ll let us in.
    • Booking.com BK312757672621046
    • Viator booking reference 1386360557
    • Self-guided audio tour
    • $75.51
  • See other stuff in that area.
    • Burggarten Park
    • MuseumsQuartier – near Hofburg Palace has shops, museums
    • Parliament
    • Heldenplatz – Heroes’ Square
    • Michaelerkirche – St Michael’s Church
    • Naschmarkt
    • Volksgarten Park – 400 varieties of roses
    • Kunsthistorisches Museum & Naturhistorisches Museum – Maria-Theresien-Platz
    • Spittelberg neighborhood
  • Then, get on Big Bus Vienna at stop #4 on Burgring. Big Bus Vienna 48 hour ticket:
    • Booking.com BK809644132193074
    • Big Bus 2MSAAG8M
    • $85.88
    • Does not include any river cruise.
    • Stop #13 Red Line is our nearest pickup point from the hotel. 0.25 mile.
    • Or Stop #4 at Sisi Museum is 0.6 mile from hotel.
  • Innere Stadt area:
    • Red Line Stop #1
      • Monument Against War and Fascism
      • Vienna State Opera – See a classical concert or opera that Vienna is known for
      • Albertina
      • Graben Street – Street was created around 1220.
    • Red Line Stop #2
      • Karlskirche – St Charles’s Church
    • Red Line Stop #3
      • Burggarten Park
      • MuseumsQuartier – near Hofburg Palace has shops, museums
      • Heldenplatz – Heroes’ Square
      • Michaelerkirche – St Michael’s Church
      • Naschmarkt – prices are a little higher, so try other markets
    • Red Line Stop #4
      • Hofburg Imperial Palace and City Center and Sisi Museum – winter home of the Habsburg family.
      • Volksgarten Park – 400 varieties of roses
      • Austrian Parliament
      • Kunsthistorisches Museum & Naturhistorisches Museum – Maria-Theresien-Platz
      • Platz der Menschenrechte
      • Kabinettpassage
      • Spittelberg neighborhood – shops and cafes.
    • Red Line Stop #5
      • Beethoven Pasqualati House
      • Museum of Military History – Heeresgeschichtliches Museum
    • Red Line Stop #6
      • Votiv Church – Votivkirche – mix of old architecture and new technology
    • Red Line Stop #7
      • Schwedenplatz
      • Greek Orthodox Church
      • Morzinplatz – site of Gestapo HQ
      • Hoher Markt – High Market – Oldest square in Vienna 1282.
    • Red Line Stop #8
      • Prater
    • Red Line Stop #9
      • Danube Tower and Donaupark – tallest in Austria
    • Red Line Stop #10
      • Danube Island
    • Red Line Stop #11
      • Blue Danube Pier 3
    • Red Line Stop #12
      • Blue Danube Pier 8
    • Red Line Stop #13
      • City Park
  • Foods to try:
    • Schnitzel – Veal
    • Gulasch – Gulash
    • Käsekrainer – Sausage with cheese inside
    • Apfelstrudel – Apple Strudel
    • Kaiserschmarren – Dessert pancakes
  • 6:30pm – Mozarthaus Concert
    • Booking.com BK972081003311519
    • $161.79
    • It’s a couple of blocks from hotel (300m – 4 min walk), near St. Stephen’s Church

Sat, May 2

  • Walk to Helmut-Zilk-Platz to pick up Blue Line at Stop #1. 0.4 mile.
    • Blue Line Stop #4
      • Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens – huge with gardens and fountains. Hike up to Gloriette. Summer home of the Habsburg family.
      • Schönbrunn Palace Guided Tour with Admission – 10:30am – Live guide with headset
      • The tour starts at the Ehrenhof Fountain. Make our way to the first fountain on your right after entering through the big black gate to the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace. Guide will be holding a green umbrella.
      • Booking.com BK649067908359683
      • $147.55
    • Blue Line Stop #6
      • Upper Belvedere
      • Karlskirche – St. Charles Church – lit up at night
      • Viennese Coffeehouse Experience & Würstelstands
    • Blue Line Stop #7
      • Lower Belvedere
  • Get off at Stop #1 and switch to Red Line Stop #1.
    • Visit places we didn’t get to on Fri, May 1.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Sun, May 3

  • Day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia. Leave hotel by 9:15am to catch 9:55am train at S3.
    • $32.60 outbound
    • $34.60 return
  • Everything is open on Sundays, unlike other European cities, like Vienna.
  • From hotel, walk ½ mile to Wien Mitte train station.
  • Arrive at Bratislava hlavná stanica about 11:0am.
  • €18–€25 total per person, roundtrip.
  • Things to see in Bratislava:
    • 0.8 miles to Presidential Palace
    • 0.4 miles to Michael’s Gate in Old Town.
    • Grab some lunch somewhere.
    • Church of the Annunciation is along the way.
    • 0.2 miles to Main Square.
    • Ol Town Hall.
    • Clock Tower for great views.
    • Maximillian’s Fountain right near there.
    • Schöne Náci.
    • 256 feet to Čumil Statue (Cumo).
    • 0.3 miles west to St Martin’s Cathedral.
    • Or, 0.5 miles east to Blue Church – Church of St Elizabeth
    • 0.3 miles to Ganymede’s Fountain from St Martin’s Cathedral.
  • 1:00pm – Bus tour
    • Booking.com BK707627107018838
    • $60.85
    • Meet at Ganymede’s Fountain – 0.3 miles from St Martin’s Cathedral.
    • 1h 30m tour
  • Have dinner around 4:30-5:00 in Bratislava, since restaurants are closed on Sunday in Vienna. If we walk, have to leave Old Town area by 6:00pm. If we take Bolt, then 6:15pm.

Mon, May 4

  • Car pickup is 7:00am.
    • Booking.com 302648720
    • $47.78
    • Provided by: Sixt Ride
    • Ride ID: 797840461
  • Flight is at 9:45am.
  • Vienna airport – Vienna Lounge – Terminal 1, 2nd level, Gates C and D.
  • Vienna airport – SKY Lounge – Terminal 3, 2nd level, Gates F and G.
  • Arrives in Prague at 10:35am
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Prague, Czechia

Mon, May 4 – Fri, May 8

Prague Castle

High Heaven (Reservation Info)

  • 8 Kaprova, Prague, 110 00
  • Superior Apartment – Annex 409 sq ft
  • The keys are at the on-site reception.
  • Hotel has elevator.
  • Free cancelation before April 19 at 11:59 PM. Cancel before April 19 at 11:59 PM and refund is $260.42.

Mon, May 4

  • Flight gets in at 10:35am.
  • Car pickup is 11:35am.
    • Booking.com 302648720
    • $48.69
    • Provided by: Sixt Ride
    • Ride ID: 257651433
    • After passport control and baggage claim, make oour way to Arrivals. Look out for our driver. They’ll be holding a sign with our name on it.
  • Check-in is at 2:00pm.
  • Municipal Library of Prague – on the same block as hotel.
  • Klementinum library – 2 blocks south of hotel.
  • St. Nicholas Church
  • Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
  • Old Town Hall Tower
  • Church of Our Lady before Týn
  • Na Příkopě – art nouveau buildings
  • Malá Strana (Lesser Town) across the river from hotel (west part of District 1):
  • Get water for hotel room.

Tue, May 5

  • No Big Bus Prague. The routes are not conducive to our itinerary.
  • Malá Strana (Lesser Town) across the river from hotel (west part of District 1):
    • Walk across on Manes Bridge
    • Liechtenstein Palace
    • Werichova villa
    • Saint Nicholas Church in Lesser Town, not Old Town – baroque, panoramic view from top – There is a small entrance fee, if we want to do this one. This is better than the other St Nicholas Church which is in Old Town.
    • Czech Marionettes – Store with the largest selection of marionettes
    • Lookout with Vineyard – Scenic view point on the hill.
    • Strahov Monastery
    • Our Lady of Exile monument – Another great viewpoint of Prague.
    • Prague Castle
    • Kasárny Hradní stráže
    • Tuscan Palace
    • Marian Plague Column
    • Schwarzenberg Palace
    • Salm Palace
    • Statue of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk
    • Šternberský Palace
    • St. Vitus Cathedral (within Prague Castle)
    • Prague Castle
    • Golden Lane
    • St George’s Basilica
    • Lobkowicz Palace
    • Waldstein Garden
    • Dripstone Wall
    • St. Thomas Church
    • Waldstein Palace
  • Walked back across Legion bridge:
    • Dancing House
    • Powder Tower (Prašná brána) and New Town Hall Tower
    • Municipal House (Obecní dům) and National Opera

Wed, May 6

  • Walk to:
    • Pinkas Synagogue and Old Jewish cemetery – Cost money, so didn’t do it.
    • Klausen Synagogue
    • Beit Simcha
    • Jewish Town Hall
    • Old-New Synagogue – Europe’s oldest active synagogue
    • High Synagogue
    • Spanish Synagogue
  • Bolt to:
    • National Memorial To The Heroes Of The Heydrich Terror – Free – Located in the underground crypt of the Baroque Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius.
  • Walk 0.8 mile to:
    • National Museum
    • New National Museum
    • Statue of Saint Wenceslas
    • Wenceslas Square
    • Václavské Namesti – Long boulevard with shops and restaurants located between our hotel and train station
  • Walk 0.8 mile to:
    • House of the Black Madonna – museum and cafe
    • Gruvie Restaurant (Georgian food)
    • Lunch with Alex.
    • Walked to Old Town for coffee.
  • On west side of Vltava river:
    • Petřín Lookout Tower (The “Eiffel Tower of Prague”), Petřín Gardens, and Petřín Hill – PEHT-reen

Thu, May 7

  • Visit stuff we didn’t see the last two days.
  • Bolt to:
    • Vyšehrad Castle, Vyšehrad Cemetery, and Saint Peter and Paul Church
    • Vinohrady area – Francouzska – Folimanka –
    • Grébovka (Havlickovy Sady park)
  • Half-Day Trip to Kutna Hora with Alex
    • 1:00pm: Alex will pick us up at the hotel and go with us to Kutna Hora.
    • Alternative is take the train:
      • Go to Praha hlavní nádraží. This is the main train station in central Prague.
      • It’s about 1 mile 22 min walk from hotel.
      • Cost is around 220–330 CZK ($10–$15 USD) round trip per person
      • Get off in Sedlec, to go to the Bone Church first
    • Sedlec Ossuary – The “Bone Church” or “Bone Chapel” – 1.5 miles from city center – Takes only 15-20 minutes to go through it.
      • Can’t even take photos or videos inside. Strictly banned.
    • Walk to City center:
      • St. Barbara’s Cathedral
      • Walk through Old Town
      • Restaurace Dačický restaurant recommended by Alex K
    • If Alex takes us, then we go back with him. Otherwise, we take train back to Prague.
    • Back to Prague for dinner.

Fri, May 8

  • Car pickup is 7:30am.
    • Booking.com 302648720
    • $44.78
    • Provided by: Sixt Ride
    • Ride ID: 797840461
  • Flight is at 9:55am.
  • Prague airport – Erste Premier Lounge – Terminal 2, Level 3.
  • Arrives in Warsaw at 11:05am. Departs at 2:50pm.
  • Warsaw airport – Preludium Lounge – Terminal A – Level 0. Near gates 34-35.
  • Arrives in Bucharest at 5:45pm.
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Bucharest, Romania

Fri, May 8 – Sat, May 9

At the airport

Hilton Garden Inn (Reservation Info)

Fri, May 8

  • Flight gets in at 5:45pm.
  • Walk to hotel from airport.
  • Check-in 6:00-7:00pm approved.
  • Have dinner somewhere around the hotel.
  • Get water for hotel room.

Sat, May 9

  • Breakfast provided at hotel.
  • Leave hotel by 10:30am. Walk over to the airport.
  • Flight is at 12:45pm.
  • No eligible Priority Pass lounge in Bucharest.
  • Arrives in Munich at 1:55pm.
  • Munich airport – Airport Lounge Europe in Terminal 1. It’s located at Module D.
  • Departs Munich at 4:10pm.
  • Arrives in Denver 6:50pm the same day.
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Romania

Bran Castle
Peles Castle
Brasov

Hungary

Chain Bridge
Buda & Pest
Buda Castle

Austria

Hofburg Palace
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Vienna Opera House

Slovakia

Michael’s Gate
Bratislava Castle
Blue Church

Czechia

Charles Bridge
Old Town & Jewish Quarter
New Town
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Notes

Tipping

  • Bucharest (Romania)
    • Restaurants: ~10% if service was good
    • Cafés/bars: round up or small tip
    • Taxi/Uber: round up or ~5–10%
    • Hotel housekeeping: ~5–10 RON
    • Transfer ride drivers: 10-20 RON ($2.50-$5)
    • Tour guides: 20-40 RON (5-$10)
  • Budapest (Hungary)
    • Restaurants: 10–15% if no service charge
    • Bars/cafés: round up or small amount
    • Taxi: round up
    • Tour guides: around €10 equivalent is common
    • Check the bill for “szervizdíj” (service charge) – if it’s already included, extra tipping is optional.
    • Transfer ride drivers: 800-1600 HUF ($2.50-$5)
    • Tour guides: 1600-3200 HUF (5-$10)
  • Vienna (Austria)
    • Restaurants: ~5–10% or round up
    • Cafés/bars: round up to the next euro
    • Taxi: round up
    • Hotel housekeeping: €1–2 per day
    • Common practice: tell the waiter the total you want to pay (e.g., €18 bill → say “20”).
    • Transfer ride drivers: 2,13-4,25 Euro ($2.50-$5) – So round up to 5€
    • Tour guides: 4,25-8,50 Euro (5-$10) – So round up to 10€
  • Bratislava (Slovakia)
    • Transfer ride drivers: 2,13-4,25 Euro ($2.50-$5) – So round up to 5€
    • Tour guides: 4,25-8,50 Euro (5-$10) – So round up to 10€
  • Prague (Czechia)
    • Restaurants: ~10%
    • Bars/cafés: round up or small amount
    • Taxi: round up
    • Hotel staff: small tips appreciated
    • Many people simply round the bill up to the nearest 10 or 50 CZK.
    • Transfer ride drivers: 51,13-102,25 CZK ($2.50-$5) – So, round down to 100 CZK
    • Tour guides: 102,25-204,50 CZK (5-$10) – So, round down to 200 CZK
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Cash

  • Cards are widely accepted in these cities, but cash helps for tips, small cafés, markets, or restrooms.
  • Per couple (per city stay)
    • Bucharest: ~200–300 RON (~$40–65)
    • Budapest: ~10,000–15,000 HUF (~$30–45)
    • Vienna: ~€60–100
    • Prague: ~1,000–1,500 CZK (~$40–65)
  • That’s enough for tips + small purchases for a few days. If you need more, ATMs are everywhere.
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Credit Cards

  • When paying by card, select the LOCAL currency instead of home currency. This way, we pay our bank’s fee rate for currency conversion, instead of the higher merchant’s bank rate.
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